The Club World Cup is currently taking place in multiple cities across the eastern United States, where players and fans are facing an unprecedented challenge due to the soaring temperatures. This tournament is being held in a sweltering climate, especially with matches scheduled during peak heat hours, sparking considerable controversy. Many have accused FIFA of prioritizing television broadcast profits over the health and safety of the players.
Recently, temperatures have skyrocketed in the eastern United States, with New York hitting over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and Philadelphia issuing extreme heat warnings. Local meteorological agencies are urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. However, the Club World Cup matches are ongoing across 11 cities in the U.S., particularly in eight on the East Coast. Feedback from various venues is concerning; for instance, German football giant Borussia Dortmund shared on social media that their substitutes were forced to remain in the locker room to watch the match due to the heat, emphasizing that this experience is unprecedented. Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni noted that despite the challenging conditions, they must adapt to the reality of competition. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain’s Enrique remarked that although the match schedule is ideal for European viewers, it is undoubtedly quite tough for the players. Midfielder Vitinha mentioned feeling the heat’s impact, requiring various methods to recover his stamina, while Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente candidly stated that tolerating such an environment is incredibly difficult. Juventus’s Weah also expressed concern about how the heat affects the proceedings of the matches.
During the competition, only Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium features a retractable roof. However, out of the 63 matches scheduled, as many as 35 were set to kick off before 5 PM, with 15 of those even starting as early as noon, forcing players to battle it out under the scorching sun. Reports indicate that the temperature reached 32 degrees during Borussia Dortmund’s match, while the clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid saw temperatures soar close to 40 degrees. This led teams to devise strategies accordingly, using ice towels during breaks to cool down.
Fans are facing similar challenges. According to media reports, the wait time at water stalls around the stadium can stretch up to 45 minutes, compounded by the inconvenient public transport system in the U.S., leading many spectators to experience fainting spells on their way to the game. Even Brazilian fans, known for their adaptability to hot environments, have expressed dissatisfaction with the current match timings. In response to this heat challenge, FIFA has implemented cooling break regulations, allowing athletes a hydration and cooling period of 90 seconds to 3 minutes when temperatures exceed 32 degrees. However, scholars are questioning whether this 32-degree standard is too high, while FIFA claims there is no scientific basis to support an adjustment to this rule. As for requests to change match timings, FIFA has not provided a clear response yet, but has disclosed that each match may accommodate five substitutions, with an additional opportunity during extra time.
